1. Prepare Your Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it much easier to lift the bars out of the pan later. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, and salt. Stir everything together well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed. This step ensures that every bite will have a good mix of flavors and textures.

3. Melt Wet Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and unsalted butter. Stir continuously until the butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined. Do not let it come to a boil; you just want it warm enough to be fluid. Remove the saucepan from the heat.

4. Add Vanilla: Stir the vanilla extract into the warm peanut butter mixture. The warmth helps the vanilla’s flavor bloom.

5. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture in the large bowl. Using a sturdy spatula or spoon, mix everything thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are completely coated. It’s important to ensure there are no dry spots remaining, as this is what binds the bars together.

6. Press Into Pan: Transfer the mixture to your prepared 8×8-inch pan. Using the back of your spatula, a piece of parchment paper, or even your hands (lightly dampened to prevent sticking), press the mixture down very firmly and evenly into the pan. The firmer you press, the better your bars will hold together.

7. Chill Until Firm: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the bars are completely firm. This chilling time is crucial for the bars to set properly and be easy to cut without crumbling.

8. Slice and Serve: Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of granola bars out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut into 12-16 bars, depending on your desired size. Serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.